RAWALPINDI: Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has revealed that he will decide the Playing XI for the first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy after analyzing the pitch.
Cummins, while talking to a virtual presser ahead of the Rawalpindi Test, has revealed that the skipper will decide the playing combination against Pakistan after analyzing the pitch.
“We have not decided the Playing XI as of yet. But, there is a possibility that we can go with three fast bowlers and two spinners,” he said.
“We will decide the final Playing XI after analyzing the pitch. There is no grass on the pitch but it is looking good,” he added.
Cummins also discussed the Pakistan Test team, stating that while the home team will be without three key players, they will not be considered weaker.
“Their three players are not available for the first Test but I will still not call them a weak side,” he said.
The right-arm pacer went on to say that international teams have a full squad and that a replacement player can perform well on any given day.
“International teams have a full squad and other players can come and do well. Just like in the Ashes when [Josh] Hazlewood got injured and [Tom] Bolland came into the side and performer well for us,” he added.
The 28-year-old Australian skipper went on to say that while he does not consider Australia to be favourites, his squad is capable. The right-arm pacer, on the other hand, expressed his pride at being a part of the historic tour while speaking about himself playing in Pakistan for the first time.
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RAWALPINDI: Australian Test captain has termed the security of Pakistan as very professional as the right-arm pacer, along with his side, touched down in the country for the historic tour after a gap of 24 years.
Cummins, who talked to a virtual presser revealed that he feels incredibly safe in the country, also termed the security as very professional.
“I am feeling incredibly safe in Pakistan. I think the security here is very professional and the hospitality has been outstanding so far,” he said.
“Well, I also think that too much or very tight security will not divert our attention and we can keep our focus firmly on the cricket only,” he added.
Cummins further claimed to be aware that the touring team is restricted to staying at the hotel and that the squad members are used to this circumstance, claiming that they encountered similar constraints while touring India.
“We know that we can not go beyond the hotel frequently, while the boys are used to certain restrictions as we also do not use to go out a lot during our tour to India,” he said.
“The players have brought playing cards and Playstations in their luggage to have a good time during the quarantine,” he concluded.
Furthermore, Cummins also acknowledged the Pakistan Cricket Team as a tough team and said it will be a huge task to beat the men in green in their home conditions.
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HOBART: Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, has thrown his support behind the country’s upcoming tour to Pakistan in March and April of this year.
Cummins, while talking to Australian Associated Press said the preparations for the upcoming tour ‘looks positive’.
“Still a bit to work through, but at this stage, it’s all looking really positive,” Cummins said.
The 28-years-old also believes that the majority of the Australian cricketers will tour Pakistan, however, will also respect the decision of those who decide against it.
“It is shaping up as I think just about everyone — if not all — will go. If some players need to make a choice, it is absolutely fine that they won’t be there,” he added.
Cummins also praised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) efforts in organising the tour.
“The amount of work the PCB has put into it is fantastic,” he concluded.
Earlier, Pakistan-born Australian batter – Usman Khawaja also urged Australia to tour Pakistan, quoting the tour will ‘inspire generations’.
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